The Laribal gardens (Jardines de Laribal) are located on the lower slopes of Montjuic between the MNAC and the Miró foundation. Tranquil and shady, the park is made up of a series of terraces linked by narrow paths and stairways and was designed by Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and Nicolau M. Rubió Tudurí for the Barcelona World’s Fair of 1929.
The combination of shady trees, fountains and water is reminiscent of the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Unlike the Alhambra which tends to get overrun with tourists, The Laribal gardens positively ooze peace and tranquillity.
The gardens contain sculptures by Josep Viladomat and Jaume Otero. However, the park is best known amongst locals for the Font del Gat (the fountain of the cat) which was built in 1918 by Joan Antoni Homs. The fountain used to be a popular location for family picnics and a meeting place for young couples and was featured in the popular song “La Marieta de l’ull viu” by Joan Amich.
Other points of interest in the park include the stone stairway of the Generalife Gardens (check out the aqueducts in the handrails), the Ceramic Tiled Fountain and the art deco style “Estival” and “Noia de la trena” sculptures. I also like the devil fountain at the lower entrance to the park.
While you are here, I suggest you also take a look at the fountain located in the grounds of the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia. I haven’t managed to find any information about this small park on the web yet, but the fountain, surrounding arches and large statue of a young woman are worth visiting.
Location
Passeig de Santa Madrona No. 2, Barcelona
How to get there
Bus number 55 stops at the park (stop number 2459, Passeig de Santa Madrona Font del Gat)
Alternatively it takes about fifteen minutes to walk from Plaça d’Espanya.
Opening Times
10 am to sunset.
Entry fee
FREE
Other Attractions Nearby
- The Miró Foundation
- The National Art Museum of Catalunya
- The Olympic Museum
- Palau Olimpic
- Poble Espanyol
Map
Laribal Gardens,
Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona
Park Guide – Laribal Gardens
| Name | Jardines de Laribal |
|---|---|
| Category | Park |
| Size | 31600m2 |
| Opening Hours | 10am – sunset |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Neighbourhood | Montjuic |
| Public Transport | Bus 55, Stop 2459 |
| Underfoot | Gravel |
| Sculptures / Public Art? | Yes |
| Café / Refreshments? | Yes |
| Drinking Fountains? | No |
| Public Toilets? | No |
| Children’s Play Area? | No |
| Sports / Fitness Equipment? | No |
| Shady Areas? | Yes |
| Dogs Allowed? | No |
